Read Online Cake on a Hot Tin Roof by Jacklyn Brady - Free Book Online

“You need to learn how to put the past aside, Judd.”
    “Ah, but that’s the tricky part about the past,” the man countered. “It won’t go away. Believe me, I’ve tried to make it disappear. Repeatedly.”
    “You’re trying the wrong methods. Alcohol won’t change anything.”
    “Perhaps not,” he agreed with a lift of an eyebrow, “but it helps me forget those things I cannot change.” Ignoring Mellie’s disapproving frown, he held up the flask to offer a toast. “I give thanks every day to the good Lord for creating such a useful tool.”
    Mellie held out a hand as if she thought he might willingly give up the flask. “Just listen to you,” she scolded. “Your mother would roll over in her grave if she could hear the way you talk. Now come back inside and pretend to care about your brother’s big night for an hour. After that, I don’t care what you do.”
    The man stared at her outstretched hand for a moment, then shook his head and laughed. “I have a better idea, sister dear. Why don’t you run back inside and care about tonight for me? That ought to make him happy.”
    She smiled sadly and put her hand on the younger man’s cheek. “It’s not him I’m concerned about, Judd. I thought you knew that.”
    He patted her hand gently and stepped away. “I know that you’ve always been decent to me. More decent than any of the others, though God only knows why you should be.”
    “You’re much harder on yourself than anyone else is,” Mellie told him. “I wish you could figure that out.”
    Her words didn’t appear to have an impact. Judd just stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned from her. “Go on in,” he said as he took a step away from the door. “I’ll be in shortly.”
    A look of weary exasperation crossed her face, but she didn’t try to stop him. “I’m going to hold you to that,” she warned. He kept walking, and a moment later he disappeared into the trees. With another regretful sigh, Mellie slipped back into the building and I let out the breath I’d been holding.
    I stood there just until the sound of his footsteps died away, then hurried back up the path to the bench where I’d left my shoes. Mellie hadn’t moved the cinder block when she went back inside, and I was anxious to use the door myself before I lost my chance.
    It only took a moment to retrace my steps. I rounded the curve in the trail and the bench came into view, but my shoes weren’t where I’d left them. Slightly winded, I stopped walking and stared at the empty park bench in confusion.
    Something at my side rustled and Judd stepped out from the shadow of a huge magnolia tree, my sandals dangling from the fingers of one hand. “Evenin’, ma’am. If I’m not mistaken, I believe these belong to you.”
    He must have known I’d been eavesdropping. I could feel the heat rushing into my face, but I hoped he wouldn’t notice in the darkness. “Yes, I—I—” Brilliant. I reached for the shoes. “Thank you.”
    He moved his hand just out of my reach. “Did I startle you?”
    “A little,” I admitted. “I wasn’t expecting to run into anyone out here. I came out through the service entrance and somehow managed to lock myself out. I’ve been looking for a way back inside.” I realized I was babbling and cut myself off before I could embarrass myself further.
    He regarded me for a long moment then dipped his head slightly. “You’re in luck, then. I know this place like the proverbial back of my hand. But are you sure you want to go back inside? If you ask me, it’s much more pleasant out here.”
    It was lovely. And quiet. But I shook my head regretfully. “I’m afraid I don’t have a choice. I’m needed at the party.”
    He tipped the flask and took a drink, eyeing me with curiosity as he did. “Duty. She’s a tough master, that’s for certain.” He held the flask in my direction. “Care to imbibe before you go back in? I have in my possession some of the finest scotch my